I continued my "regulation" experiments with 286 bullets and 4064. I ran a full ladder test of 4064 with 286 Privi Partisan, which I reported here earlier. The following is a picture of the results of that test with the velocities of the shots:



For my latest test, I started at 54 grains and increased in .5 grain increments, loading two Privi Partisans and two Nosler Partitions. I felt this would do two things for me: first, it would confirm my original data, and two, it would let me establish a comparison between Noslers and Partisans of relative pressure, velocity, and point of impact.

I used a similar slow fire target; however, it was difficult to number the bullet holes and to keep Partisans separate from Noslers and keep the various powder charges separate. Therefore, I transferred the data to a piece of plain paper, put "ears" on the Noslers and double circled the Partisans, then color coded the various loads by color. The following is the result:



A note about technique; I rested my elbows and let the rifle fall naturally without a rest. I used iron sights of course. The trigger pull on the rear(L) trigger is atrocious. You'd swear the safety is on.

It is clear to me that the shots are converging at 56grains (56.5 is a max charge according to Nosler) at 50 yards. I unfortunately did not get the opportunity to check it at 100yds.

I conclude that I am close to where I want to be; that I could use Noslers for the tough stuff and Partisans for less robust game; and now I need a solid. Any suggestions?? I have read that you don't want to use mono-metal solids in double rifles. It this true for the caliber/rifle? After a solid, I look at 232/250 loads.

In conclusion, I'd like to thank those of you who provide advise and encouragement when I started and pointed me in the right direction.

Have you tried Woodleigh bullets and H4831 powder yet? It seems to be a great load for this caliber in a double rifle. However your gun seems to like the Partition and shoots well for the conditions you describe. Good Hunting!

I have had excellent results with the 286gr Woodleigh Solid.

The 286gr Woodleigh Soft is my favorite Soft, followed by the 286 Nosler Partiton.

I use 65 gr of IMR 4831, with Federal 215 primers with all the above bullets.

They all hit close enough together to use the same zero out to 200/250 yards.

The Woodleighs hit lower at 300 yards because they have less of a BC than the Noslers.

Kudude, the issue of solids (steel jacketed and monometal) has been discussed extensively. I am of the opinion that this was primarily in the context of older doubles. I have shot GS Custom FNs in my K gun 500/416) and Woodleigh solids in my 450 x 3 1/4 (MK Owen)both of which are modern firearms. I have had no problems but have not shot hundreds of rounds either (can't afford it!)
Peter.

The Speer 270 gr bullet also makes a good practice load driven with abt 62.0 gr of IMR 4831.

The Chapuis guys were fine with Nosler partitions and Woodleighs. I'd not use monometal bullets at all. Guess I'm a 'Fraidy Cat.

I shoot GS FN 265gr, load R903 - going 2384 fps - different OAL:



GS FN after shot into limestone rock:



for comparison TSX 286gr:



IMO Merkel in 9,3 can bare with both of them, however it is your rifle and your choice.

P.S. TSX on pic might be undersized (or my barrel oversized) - note the material that was displaced by the rifling flowed into the space between the surfaces of the bullet and the barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
I have had excellent results with the 286gr Woodleigh Solid.

The 286gr Woodleigh Soft is my favorite Soft, followed by the 286 Nosler Partiton.

I use 65 gr of IMR 4831, with Federal 215 primers with all the above bullets.

They all hit close enough together to use the same zero out to 200/250 yards.

The Woodleighs hit lower at 300 yards because they have less of a BC than the Noslers.

N E 450 No2:

Do you have any idea of the velocity of that load in your double?

Dave

Dave

In my Chapuis I get the following velocities.

Factory loads:

Norma 232 Vulcan 2515
RWS 286gr Soft 2270fps
Sellier & Belliot 285 Soft 2190
Norma 286 Alaska Soft 2250
Superior 286 Woodleigh Soft 2311
Superior 286 Woodleigh Solid 2215
Superior 286 Nosler Partition 2308
Superior 300gr Swift A Frame 2217


Reloads:
With 65 gr of IMR 4831;
286 Nosler Partition 2218 fps

Do not think I have ever cronoed my Woodleigh loads.

I do know that the reload with the 286 gr Woodleigh Solid will shoot completely through a cow elephants head, side brain shot at 5 yards.

The Superior loads shoot even tighter groups than my reloads.

All the game I have taken in Zimbabwe has been with my 65gr of IMR 4831 handloads.